Yankees' 'Voice of God' dies at 99

Bob Sheppard, the iconic Yankee Stadium announcer who was known as the "Voice of God" for his introductions of baseball stars over more than half a century, has died. He was 99.

Mr. Sheppard's debut as the New York Yankees' announcer was April 17, 1951, when players included Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra. He stayed with the team until 2007, and the team still uses his recorded introduction for Derek Jeter.

"When you hear his slow, dignified speech, which has such cadence you think every pitching change is the Gettysburg Address, you wonder whether its divine quality is holding the foundation of this old ballpark together," wrote Stephen Borelli on the USA Today web site.

If only our home team had a PA announcer with 1/10th of the class of Bob Sheppard. I suppose we can't really blame the man because he is told to bleet out his cheesey introduction in his infantile manner by team president Stan Kasten. It diminishes the experience at the ballpark and makes the Washington Nationals look like the Macon Whoopees. We are the nation's capital, not the Pontotoc county fair in Ada, Oklahoma. (No offence OK). We deserve an announcer commensurate with the position, not Herb Tarlek from WKRP. Ever wonder why teams like Boston and NY don't feel the need to embellesh player intros? RIP Bob Sheppard. We hate the Yankees but we honor you and the class you brought to baseball.

I know that I am one among millions of New Yorkers (whether Yankee fans or not) who are saddened by the loss of Mr. Sheppard. For generations of us, Mr. Sheppard was as much a part of the Yankee experience as the trip to the Bronx, the classic stadium architecture, the very pinstripes themselves! The baseball world and the academic world are fortunate to have been graced by Mr. Sheppard's talent and gentility for so many years. RIP.

Also, I find it classy and touching that Derek Jeter has continued to use Mr. Sheppard's introduction even after his retirement. I hope Jeter continues to do so for the remainder of his career.